What Does MUV Mean in Astronomy? Understanding GN-z11 and its Redshift

[Phys12]

I was going through the following paper: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1605.08054.pdf

In the 2nd line, it says, "GN-z11, a MUV=-21.1 galaxy at z=11.1."

I know, what z=11.1 is. If I'm correct, it's the redshift of the galaxy which helps in measuring its velocity.

I'm not quite sure, though, of what MUV is or why the galaxy is named GN-z11. Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Drakkith]

I think it's the absolute magnitude in UV for the galaxy, but I'm not certain.

 

[Phys12]

I think it's the absolute magnitude in UV for the galaxy, but I'm not certain.

Absolute magnitude as in brightness?

 

[Drakkith]

That's right.

 

[phyzguy]

Drakkith is right that MUV is the absolute magnitude in the UV,. As for the name, Wikipedia says,
"The object's name is derived from its location in the GOODS-North field of galaxies and its high Doppler z-scale redshift number (GN + z11)"

 

[Phys12]

All right, though, why is the value negative?

 

[Drakkith]

The more negative the magnitude, the brighter the object.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnitude_(astronomy)